The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will hold its biennial Performatura: International Performance Literature Festival through a virtual presentation from November 22-24, 2021, 10AM to 10PM. This year’s event is aptly dubbed Performatura Pandemic Edition (PPE) to be presented via Zoom and Facebook livestream for free public viewing.

Directed by poet and performer Vim Nadera, Jr., the event features theatrical shows, dance dramas, musical presentations, poetry readings, literature classes, art talks, chanters from the regions, book discussions, book fair, interviews with renowned writers, storytelling, and a slam poetry contest.

The first day of the event is titled Araw ni Huseng Batute in observance of poet Jose Corazon de Jesus’ 125^th birthday. This includes CCP President and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chair Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, National Artist for Music Ramon Santos, music artists from Performatibo Manila, Mike Coroza, Jeanette Job Coroza, Felipe de Leon, Jr. and Sonia Roco. The finals of the Pambansang Balagtasan will also be held in the afternoon of the same day.

The second day is in commemoration of Andres Bonifacio’s upcoming 158^th birthday, and will be opened by CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado.  A segment called Front (Liners) Act will feature musical performances from medical frontliners including Dr. Rhodora Andrea Concepcion of the Psychiatric Association of the Philippines; Dr. P.J. Bengwasan of the Psychological Association of the Philippines; Dr. Neslen Guanzon, Mignodel Morales, Leilani Joy Igarta of Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Makatang Asiano; Joavanni Pacaldo of University of Cebu; Hannah Leceña of J.B.T. Caing Sr. Memorial Integrated School; together with Dr. Joti Tabula, Mark Pugnit Bonabon, Mia Francesca Lauengco, and Tresia Siplante Traqueña. 

Araw ng Mga Aklat at Akdang Bayan will open the culminating day of the event with CCP Board of Trustees Chair Margie Moran Floirendo. The day’s activities include the inauguration of Book Nook project of the National Book Development Board; chant performances of Luzon’s Lam-Ang, Visayas’ Hinilawod, and Mindanao’s Darangen; and the nationwide spoken word contest dubbed Tanghal Tula.

The word performatura is a mash-up of the word performance and orature or oral literature. The event showcases artistic traditions of the Philippines where performance meets the written word. It has been running since 2015.

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